Relatively permanent change in behavior or knowledge resulting from experience. Learning involves encoding new information, forming associations, and modifying existing mental representations. - Types of Learning - Classical conditioning - associating neutral stimulus with unconditioned stimulus - Operant conditioning - learning through consequences (reinforcement/punishment) - Observational learning - acquiring behavior by watching others - Implicit learning - unconscious acquisition of complex patterns - Explicit learning - conscious, intentional acquisition of knowledge - Learning Processes - Encoding - transforming experience into memory - Consolidation - stabilizing new information - Retrieval practice - strengthening memory through recall - Transfer - applying learned knowledge to new contexts - Neural Mechanisms - Synaptic plasticity - strengthening/weakening of neural connections - Long-term potentiation - persistent strengthening of synapses - Neurogenesis - formation of new neurons in [[hippocampus]] - [[Hippocampus]] - consolidation of new memories - [[Striatum]] - habit formation and procedural learning - Related Topics - [[Memory]] - storage and retrieval of learned information - [[Knowledge Management]] - organizing and applying knowledge - [[Cognitive Psychology]] - mental processes underlying learning